Whitney Matheson is a columnist for the USATODAY.com Life section. Her weekly Pop Candy column is a rundown of the joys and terrors of pop culture. (See the Pop Candy archive.)

Talk live to Whitney about today's culture scene, and get her take on what's hot and what's not. See previous transcripts here.

Comment from Whitney Matheson:
Greetings from my newly-air-conditioned apartment! I hope you're all feeling as cool as I am right now... if only my upstairs neighbor would stop bouncing a basketball while blasting rap-rock, life would be perfect.
Send in your questions, comments, whatever. I'm eager to find out what you thought of "Minority Report," even though I haven't seen it yet. (I opted to see "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" instead...)
Seattle, WA:
What do you think of Paul Thomas Anderson's work? I loved Boogie Nights and Magnolia, I thought, was a flawed masterpiece. Also, are you about as Bud Cort-crazy as me? I think he, Crispin Glover, Griffin Dunne and other slightly creepy actors need to make their own movie. Bud Cort is a by-god genius in every way

Whitney Matheson:
I loved "Boogie Nights" -- it's one of the few movies I've gone to see in theaters twice. I also liked "Magnolia," although not as much... and yes, I'm quite Cort- and Crispin-crazy. (Glover's new film, "Bartleby," was just released in selected theaters. You can see a trailer at bartlebythemovie.com.)Springfield, IL:
Hi Whitney,
What is Coke thinking with Vanilla Coke? Didn't they learn from New Coke?

Whitney Matheson:
You know, I was kind of excited when Vanilla Coke was introduced... but after trying it once, I don't think I'll be buying it again anytime soon - too sweet for these lips. I'm a big Cherry Coke supporter, though.Columbia, SC:
Hey Whitney! Married with Children was the best comedy show on TV and will always be #1. What do you think? And what did you mean by "other inmates" when I told you that you are very beautiful and would like to go out with you!? Have a good day.

Whitney Matheson:
Always the joker, aren't you? If "Married ... With Children" is the best sitcom ever, then Jamie Farr is the sexiest man alive.los angeles, ca:
Don't you really hope the American people vote for deserving people on American idol. I mean people with talent?

Whitney Matheson:
Sure, but pure talent isn't going to win. The grand Idol is guaranteed to either have beautiful biceps or perky cleavage. Chances are, they'll also be able to carry a tune.Jamestown, NC:
Would you accept the Early Show anchor on CBS?
-Mark

Whitney Matheson:
Would I accept the job? Uh, no. And there's not a chance in Cleveland that they'd offer it to me, either.

I really, really can't stand my upstairs neighbor right now... he seems to be doing some sort of Riverdance in combat boots.inglewood, ca:
I know I'm kinda late but what did you think of Monster's Ball?

Whitney Matheson:
I liked it, although the characters could have been more developed.Butler, PA:
Is the hip-hop scene going to die sometime soon. It's getting more irritating by the day. People like Eminem make me sick. I can't believe today's youth are so into emulating the dark underside of society.

Whitney Matheson:
Well, it sounds like the sun isn't shining in Butler, Pa., right now... or, if it is, you don't have air-conditioning.

Sorry to tell you this, but I think hip-hop is here to stay. You should try listening to it sometime -- I promise not all of it reflects the dark underside of society.Binh Duong, Viet Nam:
Do you love The Vietnamese?
Have you ever gone to Vietnam?
How many people are there in your family?
What is the flower that you like best?

Whitney Matheson:
Yes. No. A handful. Tulips.Dayton, Ohio:
Whitney - Hey look forward to your columb everyday. I'm a big fan of Owen Wilson. Do you know where he's been hiding? Please tell me he is once again collaborating with Wes Anderson. What a screenwriting duo.

Whitney Matheson:
Yes, I'm certainly a fool for Owen's nose ... I don't know of any new collaborations with Wes, but he is working on a sequel to "Shanghai Noon" (due in December) and a movie based on the "I Spy" series (due in November). Yee haw.Pittsburgh, PA:
Russell Crowe seems to have a knack for selecting the right roles that bring him many accolades. Of course his amazing talent does that too. Do you expect him to continue with this success with films like Far Side of the World, Cinderella Man, Tripoli and The Long Green Shore (as director too)?

Whitney Matheson:
Despite his madman reputation, I do think he'll be around for a long time. Seann William Scott, however, will enjoy a much shorter career.Dallas, TX:
Hi Whitney! Have you seen Minority Report? WOW! What a great film. I know it's so mainstream and blockbuster-y but I highly recommend it. Do you have any movie must-see's for us?

Whitney Matheson:
"Dangerous Lives" was good for a Sunday matinee -- I'd rank it above, say, "The Sum of All Fears."

I rented a lot of movies last weekend, and, I have to admit, the guy who suggested "L.I.E." in last week's chat was right on target. "Happenstance" wasn't bad, but "Sidewalks of New York" is a flick to avoid.Poplar Bluff, MO:
Do you or your husband watch any of the three major sports? (Baseball, Football, Basketball) If so which one(s)?

Whitney Matheson:
I love going to baseball games, but I never watch them on TV. The Spouse is a big college basketball fan ... neither one of us gives a rat's ear about football.arlington, tx:
i don't remember seeing a mention of "The Laramie Project" in your column. i watched it the other night and was so impressed. it is the true story of Matthew Shepard. the cast is all-star for the most part and it was so nice to see such a famous ensamble portraying such real people. rent it and be moved.

Whitney Matheson:
Thanks for the tip -- I've only seen a few minutes of it on HBO.Indianapolis, IN :
Hey, Whitney! My friend and I missed the musical episode of Buffy--we've been waiting ever since for it to be repeated. Do you think we will be rewarded any time soon by its appearance? (Oh, and what about Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew? Those were my heroes.)

Whitney Matheson:
Did you read this horrifying story today?
http://www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/insider/020626a.asp

Things don't look good for Emmy time. If Joss Whedon gets snubbed, I may never watch TV again. Except for "Buffy," that is.Philadelphia, PA:
Smallville was great last night. A group of guys doing kryptonite tattoos (kryptonite instead of Ink) giving them temporary powers to walk through walls. They use these powers to rob banks, mansions etc. If you don't watch it start it's a good show.

Whitney Matheson:
Yep, I've seen that episode -- with any luck, maybe "Smallville" won't air opposite "24" next season!Cudahy, WI:
Whitney tomorrow starts Summerfest here in Milwaukee. I would really recommend taking the ride up and checking it out. Also what did you think of American Idol? I wish someone would just jump the desk and attack Simon already!

Whitney Matheson:
I missed last night's "Idol" -- I spent most of the evening cruising the aisles of Home Depot. Simon is as slimy as they come, but at least he keeps the show interesting.Ny, Ny:
Whitney I love you column. Have you ever been to The Hampton's? I am new to New York this year. I gratuated from College and got a job on Wall Street as an investment banker. I went to the Hamtpon's last weekend. That place sucks! It's a bunch of wanabees. I'm from LA and The Hampton's is no Malibue. I could have used Louise Fitzhugh's novel out there....

Whitney Matheson:
Nope, I've never been to the Hamptons. Judging by the ABC miniseries, I don't think I'd fit in -- I'm a little poor 'n' pale for that glittery crowd.Boulder, CO:
Whitney - Harriet is part of my past, too! So what else are you reading these days? I need a new good book.

Whitney Matheson:
I just started Sparkle Hayter's "The Chelsea Girl Murders." After that, I'm digging in to a galley of Ethan Hawke's new novel. I'll let you know how it goes...San Francisco, CA:
Is it just me, Whitney, or aren't all these new "reality/competition" shows just updated versions of that 1960s schlock fest, "Beat the Clock?" I watched "Dog Eat Dog" the other night and couldn't help being transported back in time to when plain folks like myself were made to do humiliating things like balance beach balls on their noses while their spouses sprayed whipped cream down their pants.

Whitney Matheson:
I'm waiting for the return of "Battle of the Network Stars." I haven't heard anything, but I assure you it's only a matter of months.Arlington, VA:
What's with the Powerpuff Girls? Do you watch 'em?

Whitney Matheson:
Occasionally. I think they're fantastic -- perfect for any Harriet the Spy fan, in fact.Bellevue, WA:
Thanks for including the link to the Taylor Dayne story in your Hip Clicks column today. Gee, all this time I thought Taylor had just reincarnated herself as Anastascia!

Whitney Matheson:
If you liked that, you'll love the Men Without Hats link in tomorrow's column...Pittsburg, California:
Your piece on Harriet the Spy got me to thinking about another one of my favorite children's book characters. Do you remember Amelia Bedelia, the maid who took everything literally? When someone told her to draw the bath, she took a pencil and paper and made a nice picture of the bathtub! Or when they told her to dust the furniture, she would use a powder puff to sprinkle stuff around the room. Ah, how I miss those days.

Whitney Matheson:
Oh, I loved those books! Sometimes I think I should stop reading adult fiction altogether -- most children's novels are so much more imaginative.Austin, Texas:
I never knew a change of haircut could cause such a nationwide reaction. Poor Matt Lauer - the guy decides to get a buzz 'cause he's going bald and the whole country is in an uproar! Let's just hope Al Roker doesn't decide to get a new set of eyeglasses...we couldn't handle it.

Whitney Matheson:
Hee. But really, doesn't Matt's new 'do make him look like a baby bird? You've got to admit it's bad ...San Francisco, CA:
Now, I'm no big fan of Martha Stewart, but let's give the woman a break! If you owned stock and your broker called you and said, "Gee, people seem to deserting this company like rats on a sinking ship," wouldn't you dump your shares, too? I hardly call that "insider trading." I hope when this is all over, Martha does a show that features her making a big lemon pie that spells out "In Your Face" in meringue.

Whitney Matheson:
I hope someone is keeping Martha away from the knitting needles and kitchen knives... in the midst of scandal, we wouldn't want her to do something drastic.Columbus, Ohio:
I was wondering, why does pop culture seem to ruin the lives of young ladies 18-25? There are magazines out there like Cosmo, Glamour and others, and they make it hard for us guys to try to get with a certain lady that we like. How can the "nice" guys convince the ladies that we aren't here to hurt them like previous guys they have been with?

Whitney Matheson:
Buy them a dozen tulips and take them to Vietnam.Fayetteville, AR:
Have you ever written a book, or do you have any plans to do so? I really enjoy your writing style and have always wondered how it would translate into story telling.

Whitney Matheson:
Wow, thanks. I'm working on something right now, but who knows if it will go anywhere. I'll keep you posted.Arlington, VA:
Well, that Timothy Hutton story didn't make my heart leap, but I think people passing by my cubicle were wondering why I was laughing at my computer.

Whitney Matheson:
After I finished reading those responses, my first instinct was to write a fan letter to Carol Burnett. Someone should give her a cookie for answering all of those kids' letters.Columbus, Ohio:
First the Strokes then the White Stripes and now the Hives and a handful of others re-interpreting the old school sounds, what's your opinion...

Whitney Matheson:
If only they could infiltrate "TRL," I'd be one happy woman.Washington Twp, NJ:
Hi Whitney...Have I heard correctly....is Britney Spears appearing on Buffy next season as a guest star? If so, for how many episodes? Do you know of any articles I can read on this? Thanks.

Whitney Matheson:
Eight episodes, I think. Search my Hip Clicks archive for the story. Or Ananova.com -- I know there was a report there.Camillus, New York:
Whitney, What is your favorite musical group?

Whitney Matheson:
R.E.M., although I've since given up hope on a relationship with Michael Stipe.Atlanta, GA:
Whitney, I am assuming you didn't make it dowm to Bonnaroo this weekend. 50 "Jam Bands" at a 3 day camping event in TN. It was alot of fun, very peaceful and overall a big success. You need to check out Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. He stole the show from bands. I beleive you would like him.

Whitney Matheson:
Sorry, but I didn't get to Bonnaroo -- my pale skin couldn't take three days under the Tennessee sun! Glad you had a happy time, though.

Whoa, is it 2 p.m. already? Gotta run, but I'll return next week! Sorry I couldn't get to every question -- I hope you'll come back for another Candy session soon. Have a fabulous week, everybody!